Question: What is the status of the project to improve the lane markings on the H-1 in the Kaimuki area? A while ago it was reported that black lane markings would be used, which was done, but only for a short distance in the Hawaii Kai-bound direction. These markings don’t seem to be an improvement and something needs to be done.
Answer: There doesn’t seem to be any imminent solution to improving lane markings and diminishing confusing white patches along that stretch of the H-1.
The installation of dark-tinted lane striping on the eastbound H-1 between 2nd and 6th avenues was done in September as a demonstration project, according to the state Department of Transportation.
The DOT is testing whether the dark tint increases the visual contrast between the white lane striping and the white concrete patches, which cover steel dowel rods that were installed as part of a project to extend the life of the concrete surface, a spokesman said.
The "Dowel Retrofit Pavement Preservation Project" began in 2011 and was completed in 2013. The white patches covering the steel rods have not faded over time as expected. See is.gd/Pq12F4.
The Highways Division is monitoring the effectiveness and durability of the dark tint before continuing, to ensure that it doesn’t fade or degrade over time, the DOT spokesman said.
Before the dark striping is laid over a wider area, other lane divider options may be tested in coming months, using different combinations of dark and light striping, raised striping or lane markers to see which option produces the best possible contrast, he said.
Question: I heard about a fundraiser for the Manoa Paniolo Pop Warner football team going to the national championships in Orlando, Fla. I’d like to make a contribution. Can you give me an address?
Answer: There are two Hawaii teams going to the Pop Warner Super Football Championships — also known as the Pop Warner Super Bowl — this weekend in Orlando: the Manoa Paniolos playing in Division I and the Kapahulu Raiders, Division II.
For the Manoa team: Make checks out to Manoa Paniolo Football Association and mail to the association at P.O. Box 61955, Honolulu, HI 96839.
A total of 33 players and eight coaches will be in Florida for the tournament, said association President Kala’i Vierra.
The team needed to raise $63,000 to cover all expenses. So far, it has raised only a little over $10,000, Vierra said.
For the Kapahulu team: Mail checks made out to the Kapahulu Raiders Youth Association to President Ku’ulei Omura, 1316A 17th Ave., Honolulu, HI 96816, or deposit into the team’s Bank of Hawaii account.
The team has raised $43,000 of its $70,000 goal to help defray almost all of the travel expenses, Omura said.
The Kapahulu Pee Wee team has 31 players and 10 volunteer support staff (eight coaches and two board members), she said.
The money raised "has been huge for us, as it is helping every player on our team to get to Florida," she said. "We are hoping to come home with the championship."
Mahalo
To two couples who came to my aid when I experienced severe cramps in both legs and fell on Pali Highway as I crossed Country Club Road last month. Thank you to the second couple, who were on their way to Kailua but turned back, for their concern and for the bottle of water. I’m sorry I didn’t get your names, but hope you know that I really appreciated your caring gesture. — E.K.
Mahalo
To a kind woman. I was loading my car after shopping at the Kaneohe Bay Shopping Center Longs when she ran up to me with my checkbook. Before I could get her name, she rushed away. I wanted to thank her for saving me a lot of potential headaches. — Grateful Senior Citizen
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